Understanding the Everyday: The Collaborative Practice of Individualized Education Program Team Members

• In Event: Roundtable Session 30
  In Roundtable Session: Issues in Collaborative Teaching and Inclusion

Abstract

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 states that individual education program (IEP) teams are to be composed of various members who work together to implement educational and related services. This study builds on research examining the socially situated work of teachers and teams to study the practice of two IEP teams. Analysis of data from a yearlong comparative case study included observations, interviews, and artifacts of everyday practice. On both teams the collaborative practice (a) occurred during concise exchanges throughout the day, (b) was enacted and maintained by a few team members, and (c) was valued and sought out when members were student-focused. These findings underscore opportunities for innovating policy and practice to promote effective IEP teams.

Author

• Elizabeth S Hartmann, Lasell College